“There are a lot more eyes looking at you now and that's fine,” Cushing said. “I learned from some of the best guys and they taught me a lot. It's something I accept and going into this year I could say it was pushed on me, but it was also earned. So I feel good about it.”

Cushing was drafted in the first round in 2009 and piled up 133 tackles and the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Instead of building on the momentum gained from his terrific first season, Cushing was suspended for the first four games of the 2010 season for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances and had 76 tackles.

Last year was a bounce-back campaign for him, and he led the team with 114 tackles and had four sacks, two interceptions and forced two fumbles. His statistics far surpassed those of Ryans, a fellow linebacker who had 64 tackles, but the more veteran Ryans remained the most visible leader.

Cushing was unhappy that Ryans was traded to Philadelphia in the offseason, but realized that the departure meant the team would need even more from him.

“There's always room for improvement,” he said. “I believe you can never stop improving physically and mentally. So I'm going to try to take it as far as I can and try to help this team win as best that I can.”

Cushing devoured the teachings of defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, who joined the team before last season, to help the group become one of the best in the NFL. The 285.7 yards per game the Texans allowed in 2011 were second only to Pittsburgh, and their tough defense helped propel the team to its first playoff berth and win despite injuries to several key pieces of the offense.

The coaching staff isn't putting any extra pressure on Cushing this season because they know how much he expects from himself.

“He is kind of a lead by example guy, obviously he's a fiery guy,” coach Gary Kubiak said. “But Cush is going to play hard all the time, and guys can count on him. I think he's been a leader. I think he was last year and I think he's probably even more so (now).”

Watt dislocates elbow, should be OK: Defensive end J.J. Watt dislocated his left elbow Thursday and will miss some practice time, but the team doesn't believe his injury is serious.

Kubiak says “all the tests came back good” and they expect him to be OK in time for the team's opener Sept. 9 against Miami.

Kubiak didn't rule out Watt playing in the preseason but isn't sure exactly how long he'll be out.

Watt started every game as a rookie last season and finished with 56 tackles and 51/2 sacks.

More Information

TEXANS CAMP

When: Through Aug. 20

Where: Methodist Training Center, Houston

Practices: Only two more are open to public (Today, Wednesday, 8-10 a.m., gates open at 7 a.m). Free tickets can be downloaded at houstontexans.com.